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I’m sure you’ve seen the term “white glove delivery” when looking at your options for new mattresses. Some brands charge extra for the premium service, while others include it for free. So, what exactly is white glove delivery for mattresses and beds and is it worth it?
What is White Glove Mattress Delivery?
Getting its name from upper-class butlers who would perform all their duties exceptionally well, white glove delivery services have recently become a big thing in the mattress industry.
Today many mattress manufacturers, as well as mattress retail stores offer white glove delivery. Some of them use their own delivery workers, and others employ third-party delivery services.
As opposed to regular delivery service, where you get a package left at your doorstep even when you’re not home, white glove delivery is on a scheduled appointment basis. So, they make sure to deliver it in the agreed time frame, when you’re home, and then they make sure everything is set up and ready to use by the time they leave.
What’s included
Apart from the scheduled arrival, white glove delivery also includes:
- removal of the old mattress and/or foundation or box spring (note that most companies do not remove frames, adjustable beds, and stained or damaged mattresses or box springs)
- carrying the new mattress to the room of your choice
- setting up any equipment (some smart mattresses and adjustable bases need to be assembled)
- cleaning up and discarding all packaging
The details of what’s included in white glove service depend on the mattress company or on the delivery partner and their agreements with the mattress company.
You might get removal service free of charge, or you might have to pay a fee. The removal might include a mattress only or a mattress and a box spring. Normally, mattress companies will only replace the old furniture with new ones. So, if you bought two mattresses, you are eligible for the removal of two mattresses.
This is why you need to read the delivery conditions on the website of the mattress manufacturer you want to buy from and see what’s exactly included and how your mattress will be delivered. Sometimes, if they have to climb several flights of stairs, or go to a place that’s difficult to reach, you might be charged extra.
Finally, you’re not required to, but it would help if you prepared your home for the delivery service prior to their arrival. You can remove anything that’s in the way of workers. They will be entering through the door, carrying a mattress, walking down the hallway, or up the staircase, so make sure they can actually go there without getting tripped over something or accidentally knocking over fragile items. If you can’t do this yourself, it would help if you let them know about any obstructions in advance.
Should you tip for mattress delivery? It’s not necessary, but some do.
Which Mattress Brands Offer White Glove Delivery?
Many offer either free white glove delivery or at a fee of about $200. Here are some mattress manufacturers that do.
- Casper – they call it In-Home Delivery and Setup. Their partner will remove the old mattress and foundation or box spring, but not the frame. The service costs $199 and covers any number of products you order.
- Tempur-Pedic has free white glove delivery for all mattresses except the TEMPUR-Cloud. They also dispose of old mattresses and box springs.
- Beautyrest delivers, unpacks, and sets up a simple frame if it doesn’t require tools. It will remove the old mattress, but not if it’s a waterbed (do waterbeds still exist, anyway?), a futon, etc. Their service is free and they will deliver a mattress up to two flights of stairs maximum.
- DreamCloud has delivery agents who will deliver and set up the mattress and frame, and remove the old mattress. Their “Premium In-Home Setup” service costs $199.
- Leesa also charges $199 for delivery and setup, with the mattress and box spring removal option.
- Purple offers free mattress removal and setup. They do not remove box springs or bed bases. Some mattresses ship with FedEx ground and are not subject to setup – Purple, Purple Plus, and Hybrids. You do have the option to pay $200 to get these mattresses set up and old ones removed as well.
- Saatva has free white glove delivery and setup, as well as mattress and foundation removal. Frames are not included, as well as special bed types, like adjustable bases.
- Nolah mattresses typically come delivered in a box and are meant to be set up by customers, but you can pay $125 for mattress setup or removal. If you need both, the price is $225 – a bit higher than the typical price.
- Many retailers offer white glove delivery. Bed, Bath, and Beyond, Costco, Macy’s, and Mattress Firm are some of them.
If you really need white glove delivery service but you don’t want to pay extra, you could get a mattress through one of the retailers that do offer free delivery and removal service.
Are There any Downsides to Mattress White Glove Delivery?
It’s not all smooth with white glove delivery. It does help a lot, especially for people who live alone, but here are some things to bear in mind.
- Time and date. You’ll be able to schedule delivery service on one of the days when they are available – this will hopefully coincide with your available day. Sometimes that day might be a week later or even after that. It adds extra time waiting for the mattress.
- You have to be available. Most companies give a 4-hour window when they should show up, so you have to be home for at least four hours (including the setup).
- Bad reviews are real. Unfortunately, some delivery companies and their employees don’t do their job properly, so now there are many unsatisfied customers who were given a 12-hour window, had their mattresses delivered but not set up, or old mattresses not removed. Some had to wait much longer than promised.
FAQs
It is worth it when it’s done professionally. Also, some white glove delivery services are free. However, it’s best to ask the mattress company what agency they’re using and look up reviews of that particular delivery service so you’ll know what to expect.
It’s called white glove delivery because the goal is to make a connection in customers’ minds between furniture delivery and the excellence of upper-class service employees. The workers may or may not show up wearing white gloves.
You’ve already paid for the service, so technically, you don’t. However, it is a hard job and tips are appreciated. Most people who do tip white glove delivery give them $10-$30 each.
Yes, Costco does offer white glove delivery services.
Conclusion
White glove delivery services are supposed to simplify the process of getting new furniture. If you buy a new mattress and use this service, you’ll get the mattress carried to the room and installed, and the old mattress will get removed together with any packaging. The service may be free or cost around $200.
But it’s not always that simple and easy because you need to find a date when you’re free and make yourself available for several hours while waiting for delivery. If you’re lucky, it will go perfectly well and you might want to tip them for good work. If not, you may end up wasting your whole day waiting or find yourself getting bad service.
Still, white-glove service is worth it most of the time, especially for those who live alone or can’t lift heavy items by themselves.
Next step: White glove delivery is a luxurious option for mattress delivery. If you’re interested in high-end products and services then you need to read our guide to the most luxurious mattresses. Each brand on this list is made out of the highest quality materials. If you want the best, choose a mattress from this list.
With over 5 years experience writing about sleep and mattresses, she's considered one of the go-to experts on the topic.
She likes cycling, nature, art, and languages. She pays special attention to providing you with accurate and useful information when it comes to your sleep quality.
After solving her personal sleep and tiredness problems, she is on to help others by sharing this invaluable information.
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